Red Clover Trifolium Pratense L.

One of the oldest true clovers to be sown, red clover has many uses, including hay and grazing. It is also an excellent soil builder and wildlife food source.

Find A Dealer

A long history.

Red clover is one of the oldest true clovers to be sown and used as livestock feed and crop rotation. It became integral in the development of both European and American agriculture. Originating in Asia Minor and southeastern Europe, it easily spread as an important sown crop throughout Europe, then in England, and finally in America. As an outward sign of this historical spread, its flower is the national flower of Denmark and the state flower of Vermont!

Types of red clover.

In North America, red clovers are grouped by flowering type. Early flowering types are known as “medium red”. Medium red types are known for producing 2-3 hay crops per year, are normally biennial or demonstrate a short-lived perennial growth habit. In the lower South, they generally act as an annual. Late flowering types are known as “mammoth” or “single-cut”. The late flowering mammoth types are nicknamed “single-cut” because they produce only one major hay crop per year.

Distinguishing marks.

Red clover has hairy hollow stems and leaves, and magenta flowers borne in compact seed head clusters. Each leaf has three oval leaflets. The 2” long leaflets have a white or light green chevron. Red clover plants grow from crowns. Red clover has larger seed than white clover giving it better seedling vigor than its white flowered cousin. This seedling vigor also facilitates drilling it into existing grass pastures.

Grows well, even in the heat.

Red clover prefers soils with a pH of 5.8-7.0. Red clover is often grazed, but is not tolerant of continuous close defoliation; rotational stocking is best. Red clover also requires good soil moisture, has good heat and drought tolerance, but is not considered as tolerant of wet conditions like other clovers, such as white and alsike.

Good for grazing, hay and cover cropping.

Red clover is commonly used for hay, grazing, weed suppression, and soil building. Its extensive root system and deep tap root can penetrate multiple feet, providing access to nutrients and moisture over other more shallow-rooted clovers.

Although it is still primarily used for both hay and grazed pasture, in the grand tradition of ley farming, it is re-establishing itself as a green manure legume for crop rotation and cover cropping systems. Its flowers have even been promoted recently for use as herbal tea with possible medicinal qualities.

Nitrogen producer.

Red clover can produce up to 4 tons DM/A and fixes up to 150 lb. N/A. In order to achieve optimal nitrogen fixation ability, red clover needs to be inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii. This is best achieved with Nitro-Coat®.

Coated red clover seed

What we recommend.

While common VNS, or variety not stated medium red clover may be readily available, we recommend using GA-9908 when improved grazing performance, better disease resistance and extended longevity are desired. This is especially true in southern environments. Learn more about GA-9908.

Red Clover Specifications

Planting
Zones
Humid or irrigated regions of zones 3-8; acts as annual in zone 9
Longevity
Biennial
Ease of Establishment
Excellent
Seeds/lb
270,000
Seeding Rate - Straight
12-15 lbs/ac
Seeding Rate - Mix
8-10 lbs/ac
Seeding Time
Fall (October - November) or late winter to early spring (February - April)
Seeding Depth
1/4-3/8"
Seeding Method
Broadcast or drilled (preferred)
Method of Killing/Suppression
Mowing; grazing; chemical
Optimal Germination Temperature
Night temperatures > 40°F
Seedling Emergence/Vigor
Good
Reseeding Potential
Good
Root Type
Tap
Usage
Grazing Potential
Good
Hay Potential
Excellent
Use with Wildlife
Good
Use in Orchards
Good
Use with Row Crops
Good
Use with Other Grasses/Legumes
Excellent
Bees/Beneficial Insects
Good
Compaction Control
Good
Erosion Control
Good
Weed Suppression Potential
Good
Green Manure/Cover Crop Use
Excellent
Spreading Capability
Fair
N Contribution Potential
Good
DM Potential
Excellent
Forage Quality
Good
Harvest Time Frame (late/early/year-round)
Year-round
Number of Harvest/yr
3-4 per year
Other Comments
Cut hay at early bloom stage; practice rotational grazing as continuous grazing detrimental to persistence.
Tolerance
Bloat Risk
High
Disease Resistance
Poor; many diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, viruses can be a problem
Insect/Nematode Risk
Moderate
Cold Tolerance
Excellent
Traffic Tolerance
Good
Heat Tolerance
Good
Drought Tolerance
Good
Shade Tolerance
Good
Dry Soil Tolerance
Good
Wet Soil Tolerance
Fair
pH Range
5.8-7.0
Required Fertility (P,K, other nutrients)
P, K, Ca, Mg needed; minor especially Mo, B also needed